Ironman James Headspeath founder of iChallengeU

James Headspeath hasn't had an easy route to get to where he is now. The young entrepreneur had a comfortable background but didn't do well while in school, failing to get more than 2 GCSE's and although completing 3 A levels they were all grade E's.

He often came last at school sporting events and cross country races. He managed to get into uni but soon dropped out. Things were not looking good, with barely any qualifications and no future prospects it looked like James would end up in a dead end job.

The job hunt was long and boring, so James took to sport as a chance to escape boredom. He had to battle with a rare skin allergy which stopped him playing any intensive sports.

How so much has changed in two years, as now the Marketing and Advertising Management student at Southampton Solent University is top of his class and is president of the entrepreneurship society.

He founded the entrepreneurship society, Solent Sparks Entrepreneurs in October 2010, with the aim of helping students get into business and provide a place for like minded individuals to network.James aims to see Solent Sparks produce more entrepreneurs than any other UK university.

He is also a multiple Ironman Triathlete, which consist of swimming, running and cycling over 70 miles (dubbed as the toughest single day endurance race on earth). Pretty impressive and he has quite some way from coming last in cross country!

In March 2011 James started iChallengeU to help inspire other young people to take on a challenge in life.

iChallengeU is a fun and innovative motivational company made up of the country's most amazing young people, from adventurers to entrepreneurs, whose primary objective it is to inspire and change the way we think about ourselves.

James works with large multinationals down to local businesses and schools encouraging and motivating through a network of speakers and mentors.

What helps James and his company in the pursuit of growth, is that there priority is providing inspiration rather than purely thinking about profits. Profits will come if you can provide an outstanding service first and foremost!

Rishi Chowdhury

Co founder of YHP, founder of IncuBus Ventures, online marketing consultant & host of one of London's top entrepreneurial events (Flagons Den). Regularly found networking around Tech City, convincing myself I'm working.
Working for the future, living for the moment.